title: Short-term efficacy of mandibular advancement splint in treatment of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to determine the short-term efficacy of treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) using a mandibular advancement splint.
  
  
  METHODS
  The sample comprised 20 patients (13 men and 7 women; mean age = 48 years; mean body mass index = 27.07) with OSAHS. Polysomnograms were performed before and 60 days after mandibular advancement splint therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant reduction in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) following treatment (mean pretreatment AHI = 20.89 ± 17.9 versus mean posttreatment AHI = 4.43 ± 3.09) (p < 0.05). The snoring reduced and the sleep efficiency improved, as registered by polysomnograms (p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The sleep quality improved in patients using mandibular advancement splint. Further studies evaluating long-term effects are needed.
authors.forename: Calliandra Moura Pereira
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: de Lima
authors.forename: Laurindo Zanco
authors.initials: LZ
authors.lastname: Furquim
authors.forename: Adilson Luiz
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Ramos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019186:Mandibular Advancement / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D017286:Polysomnography; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000628:therapy*; D012913:Snoring / Q000628:therapy; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: Polysomnography; Sleep apnea syndrome; Snoring